Marc Rochat & Bode Miller Debut New Documentary at Tribeca Film Festival

La Roche , translating in English to "the rock", is a film following the challenges of Slalom ski racer Marc Rochat during his journey to make the Swiss national ski team and his position within it. The film officially premiered in the U.S. at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.

Produced by former World Cup alpine ski racer Bode Miller, the documentary features a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Rochat's struggles with injuries, mental determination, and love for skiing in and out of competition.

We spoke to Bode Miller, the film directors, and Marc Rochat to hear more about the making of the film. Watch the film trailer below.

Executive producer Bode Miller Q&A

How did your career as a ski racer influence your decision to help tell Marc’s story?

"I was of course aware of Marc and his career in slalom skiing. It was a no-brainer to come onto this project. It is an honor to help to tell the stories of professional slalom skiers—a sport that I feel is often overlooked—and to demonstrate the sacrifices that some people make for it. Marc is an exceptional case. Not only did he endure a traumatic injury, but he took that as a challenge. He took that head-on, letting it only motivate him to be even better than before."

In what ways do you relate to Marc and why do you feel it is important to tell his story?

"Marc’s story takes what we endure in alpine skiing to its most extreme. For those unfamiliar—and even familiar—with the sport, it’s easy to forget everything that goes into it. Marc’s story puts all of that on display in a way that not only gives such insight into the sport and what it means to ski professionally, but it also shows Marc’s highs and lows in a way that people can resonate with outside of the sport."

What would you like people to know ahead of the screening?

"This is as much a story about the triumph of the human spirit as it is a portrait of Marc and his career. We hope that you leave this film feeling empowered."

Directors Basil Schneeberger and Nolan Büch Q&A

What was the biggest challenge in making this film?

"The biggest challenge for us was trying to capture Marc’s story without bothering or disrupting his day-to-day life as a professional athlete. We had to adopt a 'fly on the wall' film style where we could capture compelling moments that were both strong in story but also visually cinematic.

Despite being childhood friends with Marc, we had to build trust between him and the camera in order for him to open up about his struggles as an athlete. He had never spoken so openly about them and had never really delved deep into the dark times of his life.

The entire process of finding the right time during the season to speak to him about his mental struggles as an athlete was a balance we had to properly manage. That wasn’t as easy as we thought."

What will people gain from viewing this film?

"La Roche is not only an action-packed, thrilling, and inspiring sports story, but also a slice of life that will give each individual, no matter their background, an encouraging takeaway on mental resilience. We hope that the lm teaches you to embrace any process in life, no matter what path you decide to pursue, including the highest highs as well as the lowest lows."

Marc Rochat Q&A

What do you think people will find most interesting about your story/this film?

"My professional career as an athlete and my life certainly dier from most people in my domain in various aspects. But in the end, it is the relatability to everyone's journey that I found most striking. The highs and lows I experienced throughout this beautiful time of my life are a story in which everything can recognize a part of their own."

How does it feel to be the subject of a film about your life?

"It is certainly flattering, but intimidating at the same time.

When Nolan and Basil first approached me regarding this project, I was obviously very pleased to collaborate with my childhood friends, but on the other hand, a little skeptical. At that time, I hadn’t reached my lifetime goals in sport and certainly didn’t have the accolades of a skiing legend like Bode, for instance.

So I was uncertain if my story would be able to interest a wider crowd beyond my inner circle. Later that summer, I came to understand the film wasn’t about my performance. Nolan and Basil wanted to depict the story of a ski racer, patiently working towards his goals and fighting for his childhood dream."

How did this film affect the way you reflect on your life and your career skiing?

"When I first watched the film, I realized how lucky I had been. Not many people get to sit back and stare into their own life's journey. This film acted on me as an auto psychotherapy because I had never dared to admit to myself most of what I declared in this film.

When you grow up in an individual sports environment, especially tough ones like ski racing, fears, and doubts are generally and wrongfully considered as signs of weakness. Therefore, you quickly learn to lock those emotions deep down, hoping no one would notice them. A sort of defense mechanism deeply rooted.

Looking back, I realized how harmful those mechanisms have been, depriving me from any sort of confession. This whole film experience helped me massively over the last season, liberating me from a lifelong cumulation of un-admitted painful thoughts."

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